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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I want having

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

'I want having' is not correct in written English.
Instead, you can use the phrase 'I want to have' or the present simple 'I want.' Example: I want to have a better job.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want to have had a laugh.

News & Media

The Guardian

I wanted to have had a locker.

I want to have a job, I want to be married, I want to have a girlfriend.

News & Media

The New York Times

I want to have fun!

News & Media

Independent

I want to have dinner.

News & Media

Independent

I want to have kissed you.

News & Media

The New Yorker

I want to have a conversation.

News & Media

Independent

I want to have your baby!

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I want to have the anxiety".

News & Media

The New York Times

I want to have it in writing".

News & Media

The New Yorker

I want to have all my faculties.

News & Media

Independent
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the infinitive form "to have" after "I want" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, use "I want to have a new car" instead of "I want having a new car".

Common error

Avoid using the gerund form (-ing) directly after "want". The correct structure is "want + to + verb". Using the gerund creates a grammatically incorrect sentence.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I want having" is grammatically incorrect. It attempts to express a desire or intention, but the structure violates standard English grammar rules. Ludwig AI confirms this error.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I want having" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI confirms, the correct form is "I want to have". While the intention is to express a desire, the improper structure renders the phrase unusable in formal writing and generally unsuitable for most contexts. It's essential to use "to have" after "want" to adhere to standard grammar rules.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "I want having"?

The correct way to express this is "I want "to have"". The verb "want" requires the infinitive form of the following verb.

Can I use "having" after "want" in any context?

No, using "having" directly after "want" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct form is "want to have".

What are some alternatives to saying "I want to have"?

Alternatives include "I desire "to have"", "I wish "to have"", or "I'm looking forward "to having"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I'm wanting" correct, and how does it relate to "I want to have"?

"I'm wanting" is less common and often considered less formal than "I want". While "I'm wanting" can sometimes be used, "I want "to have"" is generally a safer and more widely accepted option.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: